1. Kansas F Andrew Wiggins: The presumptive No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft raised his level of play in March — he has 93 points in the past three games — and is capable of taking over against any defense. Playing in front of a partisan crowd in nearby St. Louis should help calm his nerves.

2. UCLA F Kyle Anderson: One of the toughest matchups in the country because of his 6-foot-9 frame and versatility. He has the skills of a point guard but can handle himself in the low post. The proof: His 21-point, 15-rebound masterpiece against Arizona in the Pac-12 championship.

3. Syracuse G Tyler Ennis: The freshman is an elite player at the most important position. Guards own the NCAAs, and Ennis has the poise and talent to lead Syracuse deep into the Madness. He's also dependable from the free throw line, which could prove useful if the Orange must protect a narrow lead.

BEST COACHES

1. Florida's Billy Donovan: His teams are usually sound on both ends and balanced offensively; this version is no different. Donovan, who led Providence to the Final Four as a player, is attempting to join select company by winning his third NCAA title as a head coach.

2. Virginia Commonwealth's Shaka Smart: One of the best young coaches in the country — and a former Florida assistant under Donovan -- Smart led VCU on an improbable run to the 2011 Final Four. His teams love to press and play at warp speed, and they fear nobody.

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3. Kansas' Bill Self: He owns one NCAA title and two Final Four appearances yet has more early-round flameouts than Kansas fans would care to remember. This team is young and not consistent defensively. Add the injury to center Joel Embiid, and Self has his work cut out.

DREAM MATCHUP

No. 4 UCLA vs. No. 2 Kansas would be a ratings bonanza for CBS, an Elite Eight showdown matching two of college basketball's most storied programs. It could become reality if the Bruins play like they did in the Pac-12 tournament and Kansas gets Embiid back for the second week.

UPSET SPECIAL

No. 11 Dayton over No. 6 Ohio State. One team is Dayton, the other is The Ohio State University. The schools are 73 miles apart but separated by an ocean of money, tradition and resources. This is the chance of a lifetime for the Flyers; the Buckeyes had better be ready and not looking ahead to a third round matchup with Syracuse.

SLEEPER PICK

Syracuse. If it's possible for a No. 3 seed to qualify as a sleeper, the Orange fit the model. They aren't a popular pick to win the South because of a late-season belly flop (five losses in their last seven games), but the pieces are in place for a deep tournament run. To beat them, you have to solve their zone, keep their huge front line off the boards, and contain Ennis and C.J. Fair. Not easy.

LAST TEAM STANDING

Florida. The Gators don't excel at anything, except for lack of weaknesses. They're not the most talented No. 1 overall seed we've seen in recent years, but they have first-rate guard play and don't get rattled. If Embiid's back is healthy, Kansas will push the Gators to the limit. Otherwise, they are the clear favorite.